Profile

Island riding which includes the municipalities of Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney as well as the islands in the Strait of Georgia including Galiano, Mayne, Pender (North and South), Salt Spring and Saturna.

There are also several native reserves including South Saanich IR1 and East Saanich IR2.

The Institute of Ocean Services and the Marine Technology Centre near Patricia Bay are located here, providing valuable research bases; tourism is significant to the economy, particularly during the summer.

The aboriginal population was 4.4% in the 2006 census; 23% of the population was over 65.

Redistribution

Riding created in 1989 from part of Saanich & Islands. No change in 2000 or 2008 redistributions.

Political History

Saanich North and the Islands: In 1991, Liberal Clive Tanner defeated New Democrat Elsie McMurphy by 4,888 votes.

In 2001, Coell defeated Green candidate Andrew Lewis by 8,195 votes; was appointed Minister of Human Resources on June 5, 2001; appointed Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services on January 26, 2004.

In 2005, Coell defeated New Democrat Christine Hunt by 1,939 votes; on June 16, 2005 was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Minister responsible for Research and Technology; on June 23, 2008 appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

This page will be updated throughout the campaign. Candidates, please use this form to add a photo and/or contact information to B.C. Votes 2009.

Tom Bradfield

Party: Green Party of BC

Education: Completed Camosun College’s Public Administration program

Professional Background: 15 years in the provincial public sector; Baker

Community Activity: Director of Aboriginal Health with the Vancouver Island Health Authority

Murray Coell

Professional Background: Social worker, specializing in alcohol and drug rehabilitation, and mental disabilities; Small business owner

Community Activity: Served on the boards of Silver Threads Meals on Wheels, and Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children

Electoral/Political History: Served on Saanich Municipal Council for 12 years, six of those as mayor; First elected as MLA in 1996, re-elected in 2001 and 2005; Appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development in June 2008

Gary Holman

Party: BC NDP

Professional Background: Consulting economist

Community Activity: Boards of The Land Conservancy of BC and Salt Spring Island Conservancy; As Salt Spring Island’s CRD Director Holman helped establish: the island's first public transit and first public indoor pool, upgrades to hospital, water and sewage facilities, housing for low income families and seniors, walking and cycling pathways, the island's first energy strategy and Area Farm Plan

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